15 romantic holidays for couples

Planning a trip is the perfect way to spice things up with your loved one. Getting adventurous and journeying the unknown can be so much fun and work wonders for your relationship. We’ve gathered a list of the 15 most romantic holidays for couples to help get you started.

Walks along the riverbank, dining alfresco, drinking coffee at night, gazing at the night sky… Paris has it all. Named the city of lights for good reason, there is nothing more romantic than looking up at the Eiffel Tower as it sparkles at night. Fine dining restaurants are abundant in this beautiful city, as are cute and casual cafes. There’s something in the city of lights for everyone. Remember your trip by visiting some of the most instagrammable spots in Paris. You and your followers will not be disappointed.

We recommend: having a picnic on the grass at the steps of Montmartre – “magnifique!”

Bursting with culture, colour and delicious tapas, Barcelona is a fun and romantic city that’s ideal for couples. Marvel at the beautiful Park Guell, stare upwards at La Sagrada Familia and hit the beach for some downtime.

We recommend: taking a wine tour – Catalunya, the region around Barcelona, is one of the most prominent wine producers in Spain.

Filled with art, history, stunning architecture and romantic terrace tables for two, it’s no shock that Rome is one of the most romantic destinations for couples. Whether you’re splitting a pizza, sharing a moped or ordering one gelato with two spoons, Rome is best experienced with a partner.

We recommend: hiring a cherry red Vespa moped to explore the city and find the lesser-known side streets.

Perfect for thrill-seekers, Orlando will take your love to new heights with massive roller coasters and leave you spellbound with the magical world of Harry Potter at Universal Studios. Outside of theme parks, you can shop, take a trip to the everglades and even attend a line-dancing night in the local cowboy bar.

We recommend: singing a duet at O ’Shucks Irish Karaoke bar on International Drive.

The city that never sleeps is a prime location for a romantic getaway with your other half. Share a toast at a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, catch a show on Broadway, sail to Ellis Island and sample some of the best food in the world. Take your pick of the jaw-dropping museums and stroll around the city in awe of it all.

We recommend: riding the vintage carousel in Central Park followed by a romantic stroll along the water.

6. Flights from Dublin to Venice

Imagine this: you and your significant other cuddled up together in a gondola, accompanied only by your gondolier dressed in the traditional costume – that’s amore! Perfect for a romantic weekend, Venice has so much to be explored and enjoyed. Get lost down the narrow streets, stumble upon wonderful shops and authentic restaurants, gaze at the ornate architecture and just go with the flow. Don’t miss our guide to Venice for even more to do in this most romantic of cities.

We recommend: Dining alfresco at night with amazing views of Venice at Restaurant Terrazza Danieli.

The glorious Retiro Park alone earns Madrid a place on this list. Visit the park to view architectural delights, row a boat on the lake, munch on shared tapas, and get lost in the maze. In the city centre, you’ll find quirky restaurants and bars where your beer sometimes comes with free food! Only have a couple of days? Don’t worry, you can see a lot by spending just 48 hours in Madrid.

We recommend: enjoy brunch accompanied by romantic opera music at the Westin Palace hotel.

Whether you’re drinking gluhwein together in winter or clinking steins of beer at Oktoberfest, Munich is a beautifully-preserved, traditional city that will have you feeling like you’re in a fairy-tale land. View castles, take picnics and venture on hikes together followed by sampling the local, delicious cuisine. You know its true love when you can comfortably eat pork knuckle in front of each other.

We recommend: get sensual by dining in the darkness at Zum Blinden Engel – a restaurant where dinner is served in the pitch black by visually impaired staff.

The ancient city of Athens is a lesser-known spot for a romantic trip for couples. Here you’ll find quaint streets, traditional markets, beaches, fantastic restaurants, national parks and breath-taking views. Should you wish to explore more of the islands, access from Athens is frequent and easy to organise.

Belgium has gifted us so much: Belgian chocolate, Belgian waffles, Belgian beer… sample all this and more in the beautiful setting of Brussels. Hold hands as you walk around the Royal Greenhouses of Laeken, viewing thousands of flowers and become a beer connoisseur with a local brewery tour.

Amsterdam is consistently ranked among the most romantic cities in Europe. Whether you’re riding bikes in Vondelpark, sailing along the canal, exploring the cobblestoned streets, visiting a museum or giggling in a cafe, you’re sure to feel the love in Amsterdam. Warm in summer and crisp in winter, what more could you ask for? Only have a weekend? Don’t worry – our 48 Hours in Amsterdam article has you covered!

We recommend: taking part in an Amsterdam beer tour where you’ll sample beer and local delicacies such as bitterballen.

Looking for some R&R? Consider visiting Lanzarote for a “couples retreat” holiday with golden beaches, adult-only hotels, fresh seafood and cocktails aplenty. Choose to rent a sports car for your trip and explore the island together or opt for a couple of days’ restful lounging by the pool or the sea. The decision is yours. Lanzarote also benefits from year-round sunshine so it’s the place to go for an autumn break.

With great food, gorgeous wine, a stylish promenade and, of course, the French Riviera, it’s fair to say that Nice deserves a spot on this list. Take a walk through thousands of years of history in the old town and arrange a trip to the ever-glamorous Monaco, Cannes and Monte Carlo for an exciting date.

We recommend: trying your hand at perfumery and creating your own scent at the Molinard Perfume Workshop.

14.Flights from Dublin to Sicily

Sicily may be famed for its beaches, relaxation and divine foods, but this island also holds plenty of adventure for couples who like to explore. An absolute must for your itinerary should be a hike up Mount Etna. Hikers can choose to take a cable car halfway up and hike or climb the rest of the route. If you don’t fancy the climb, you can simply get a jeep to the top for superb panoramic views.

It is only a short flight from Cork to the very romantic city of Edinburgh. Overlooked by its famous walled castle, the old town is a maze of meandering cobblestone streets to explore with the one you love. Add to your loved up feeling with a candlelit meal in one of the city’s many fine restaurants or a dram of Scotch in one of the cosy pubs dotted around the city.

We recommend: getting close to your loved one with a spooky ghost tour of Edinburgh’s haunted vaults.

Love is in the air with Aer Lingus. Choose from 92 destination airports across 24 countries in Europe, North America, the Canary Islands and Turkey for your next romantic trip as a couple. Fly from the US to Europe to enjoy superior inflight entertainment, free onboard Wi-Fi and a warm and welcoming Irish service. Get the best flight deals to Europe at aerlingus.com.